The surest path to riches in today’s USA is “public service.” Just look at DC and the surrounding counties.
Well I would not call it riches but you can reach a nice standard of living. None of the "rich people" in the beltway area are GS employees.
But to your point, I took a pay cut in 1985 and joined the federal gov with only a HS diploma and some job experience. The first year I made only 25K but I did not care because I was looking at the long haul.
To make a long story short I was able to retire at 48 with 25 years on the job with full benefits. The last year I worked I made $145K as a GS-14.
If there is some equivalent out there in the private sector I am not aware of it.
So tell your kids if they have no interest in college there is still a place where mediocrity is still rewarded LOL I'm living prof of it.